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Stanton making a statement for Cowboys

“The cream is going to rise and its going to show,” the Wyoming junior middle linebacker said. “Once the lights come on its time to put it all on the table. Every game you have to turn that switch on.”

Stanton, a junior-college transfer that arrived on campus in January, turned the switch on in the Cowboys’ season-opener at No. 23 Nebraska on Aug. 31 as he came off the bench and recorded eight tackles, two of which were for losses. That earned him the starting job in last week’s 42-10 win against Idaho where he had seven tackles.

Here is a video interview with Stanton done this week.

Stanton was the backup to senior Devyn Harris throughout fall camp, and both continue to compete for playing time now. However, Stanton has the edge over the more experienced Harris, although both play.

“I live for the competition,” he said. “I wanted to step my game up to show these guys what I can really do. I am just trying to earn my stripes.”

He’s earned them so far. Stanton is fifth on the team with 15 tackles.

UW uses a scoring system on defense that tracks defensive production, and simply put, Stanton has been the most productive at middle linebacker.

“His production points are there, and he’s going to start,” fifth-year coach Dave Christensen said. “I don’t believe in gamers. You practice the way you are going to play, and if you practice well you have a chance to play well.”

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Some news and notes from Wednesday morning’s practice:

–The Cowboys practiced outside with a steady rain throughout practice. “I thought it was great. If forces you to focus and concentrate a little bit more,” Christensen said. “We are going to have to play in this, so I’d rather be prepared. Christensen also said the rain was good for his special teams units. He noted that all of the footballs used at practice were extremely wet, and that if it rained like it did during a game, the footballs would be a lot dryer.

–Christensen also said he’s liked the way UW has practiced this week getting ready for Saturday’s home game with FCS foe Northern Colorado.

–Redshirt freshman offensive guard Chase Roullier has taken nearly all the snaps with the No. 1 offense this week. Senior starter Tyler Strong has been in a red, no-contact jersey all week, but is still listed as the starter. Christensen didn’t mention Strong in Monday’s injury report. Christensen will have an updated injury report Friday afternoon.

–Sophomore center Rafe Kiely has split snaps with the starters with junior Albert Perez. Perez has had a red jersey on in practice, but has still participated in most of the drills during practice. Perez is listed as the starter, and started and played the most at center in the first two games.

For more on the offensive line and more on Northern Colorado, see WyoSports senior editor Robert Gagliardi’s column in Thursday’s Wyoming Tribune Eagle and Laramie Boomerang, and log on to wyosports.net.